Blackface is offensive says Harry Connick Jr

HARRY Connick Jr has defended his reaction to the Hey Hey It's Saturday "blackface" skit and insisted he did not accuse the performers of being racist.

HARRY Connick Jr has defended his reaction to the Hey Hey It's Saturday "blackface" skit and insisted he did not accuse the performers of being racist.

In a lengthy statement issued to the Daily Telegraph (below) Connick Jr said it was the blackface image used during the Jackson Jive skit which he considered offensive and that shocked him.

Connick Jr, in Australia to promote his latest record Your Songs, reaffirmed his 20-year love affair with the country and thanked those who had supported his stand to extract an apology from host Daryl Somers for the Red Faces skit.

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He also acknowledged he has a long history himself of making fun of himself or others both during his concerts and on television variety shows.

A video of Connick Jr appearing as a preacher on MadTV provoked accusations of hypocrisy against the American entertainer.

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Statement from Harry Connick Jr

"Hi Everyone:

I am in Australia now promoting my new CD and I never imagined this trip would have so much controversy.

I've visited Australia now for over twenty years. I love the Australian people. I particularly admire the Australians' love of life and their ability to laugh at themselves.

Those of you who have seen my shows or seen me in several comedic skits on TV, know that I have absolutely no problem with comedic send ups or making fun of myself or others.

I have watched the media storm that has erupted over my reaction to the Hey Hey blackface skit.

Where I come from, blackface is a very specific and very derogatory thing. Perhaps this is different in other parts of the world, but in the American culture, the blackface image is steeped in a negative history and considered offensive.

I urge everyone in the media to take a look at the history of blackface to fully understand why it is considered offensive.

I also urge you to review the Hey Hey tape and you will see that I did not ascribe any motives to anyone, nor did I call anyone a racist.

The blackface skit was a surprise to me and I was simply shocked to see this on TV. I do not believe that the performers intended any harm. I appreciate the folks who have written in support but please know that I allow everyone their own opinions and can only speak for myself.''